“FIGHT NIGHT AT THE VETS CLUB” FACT SHEET

WHAT: “Fight Night at the Vets Club” Professional Boxing

WHO:  The Lineup                                              

MAIN EVENT – VACANT USBF MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (6)

Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste (4-3, 2 KOs), Woburn, MA

vs.

Ryan Clark (2-3, 1KO), Berwick, NH

FEMALE FLYWEIGHTS (6)

Sara “Switch Kick” Click (1-4-1, 0 KOs), Orlando, FL

vs.

Arika Skoog (1-0-1, 1 KO), Roxbury, MA

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS (8)

Mike “Bad Man” Ohan, Jr. (172, 9 KOs), Holbrook, MA

vs.

William Parra Smith (4-14-1, 3 KOs), Anchorage, AK

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS (6)

Larry “Slo Mo” Smith (13-53-2, 9 KOs), Mesquite, TX

vs.

James “Pitbull” Perkins (11-0-1, 8 KOs), Lynn, MA

HEAVYWEIGHTS (4)

Kevin Nagle (1-0, 1 KO), Scituate, MA

vs.

Reinaldo Sa Costa Souza (0-1), Boston, MA by way of Brazil

(card subject to change)

_____________________________________________________________________

WHERE:        Bridgewater Veterans Club in Bridgewater, MA

WHEN:         Saturday, June 10, 2023

PROMOTER: Granite Chin Promotions

RING ANNOUNCER: John Vena

TICKETS: Tickets are priced at $60.00 (floor seats), $40.00 (standing room only), and $400.00 for ringside tables of 4 are available for purchase at https://granite-chin-promotions.ticketleap.com.

WEIGH IN: Friday, June 9 starting at 2:30 p.m. ET at the Bridgewater Vets Club in Bridgewater, MA

OTHER: Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET, first bout at 7:00 p.m. ET

INFORMATION:  

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Twitter: @Granite_Chin




Top Rank Presents WBO Junior Welterweight Title Showdown Josh Taylor vs. Teofimo Lopez

Top Rank on ESPN presented by AutoZone: Taylor vs. Lopez will be live this Saturday, June 10 at 10 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT exclusively on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+. The event takes place at The Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York, NY.

In one of the most heated title fights of the year, undefeated junior welterweight king Josh Taylor (19-0, 13 KOs) will defend his WBO and Ring Magazine world titles against former unified lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez (18-1, 13 KOs).  

It’s “The Tartan Tornado” vs. “The Takeover.”  Taylor, the first British fighter to become undisputed champion in the four-belt era, proudly represents his native Scotland and is on the shortlist of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world today. Lopez, a native son of Brooklyn, New York, headlines for his third time at “The Mecca of Boxing,” where he seeks to become a two-division world champion and regain his place among the pound-for-pound elite.  

Prior to the fight on June 10, ESPN will air Trash Talk: Taylor vs. Lopez, a 30-minute all-access preview into the fight camps of both Taylor and Lopez. In addition to the air times below, the program will also be available for replay on-demand in the ESPN App and on ESPN.com and ESPN+.

Trash Talk: Taylor vs. Lopez

Date Network Time (ET)
Thu June 8 ESPN2 2:30 a.m.
ESPNEWS 9:00 a.m.
ESPN2 8:00 p.m.
ESPN Deportes* 9:30 p.m.
Sat June 10 ESPN2 12:30 a.m.
ESPN Deportes* 12:30 p.m.
ESPNEWS 5:00 p.m.
*Spanish-language

In the eight-round co-feature, Puerto Rico’s junior middleweight phenom Xander Zayas (15-0, 10 KOs) will have an extra source of motivation for his upcoming fight. The 20-year-old standout will fight Ronald “Diablo” Cruz (18-2-1, 12 KOs) for the second annual Miguel Cotto Award, which is presented by Top Rank and Madison Square Garden Entertainment. The Miguel Cotto Award celebrates the remarkable career of the legendary four-division world champion and upholds the tradition of hosting a major fight card during Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend.

The undercard will stream exclusively on ESPN+.

Joe Tessitore will call the action with analyst Andre Ward, a Hall of Famer and 2004 U.S. Olympic gold medalist.? Mark Kriegel and Bernardo Osuna?will serve as reporters. Timothy Bradley, Jr. will be offsite being inducted into International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF) Class of 2023.

ESPN.com

Timothy Bradley Jr: A letter to my younger self

Wednesday: Josh Taylor hoping to finally get his moment against Teofimo Lopez, by Mike Coppinger

Thursday: Bradley’s Breakdown: Will Teofimo Lopez be able to solve Josh Taylor?  by Timothy Bradley

Friday: At only 25, why this is a must-win fight for the career of Teofimo Lopez, by Mark Kriegel

ESPN+, ESPN App Boxing Content: Live and Upcoming, On Demand, Studio Shows, Archives

  • Max on BoxingMax Kellerman hosts a 30-minute series weighing in on key boxing news and providing insights on the sport’s top fighters and upcoming events
  • Who Do U Fight 4?Get to know the next generation of Top Rank stars and learn what drives them

Follow @ESPNRingside: Facebook Instagram Twitter TikTok

Date Time (ET) Event Bouts Title Platform
Thu., June 8 Noon Press Conference ___ ___  ESPN+
Fri., June 9 1:00 p.m. Weigh-In ___ ___
Sat., June 10 10:00 p.m. Main Josh Taylor (C) vs. Teofimo Lopez WBO Jr. Welterweight ESPN, ESPN Deportes
ESPN+ (simulcast)
Co-Feature Xander Zayas vs. Ronald Cruz     ESPN+
5:15 p.m. Feature Jamaine Ortiz vs. Humberto Galindo
Undercard Robson Conceicao vs. Nicolas Polanco
Undercard Omar Rosario vs. Jan Carlos Rivera
Undercard Damian Knyba vs. Helman Oguin
Undercard Henry Lebron vs. Carlos Ramos
Undercard Bruce Carrington vs. Luis Porozo

About ESPN
ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more. ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst. 

About ESPN+  

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 25.3 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.comESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).   




VIDEO: Adrien Broner vs Bill Hutchinson Full Final Press Conference




 Broner vs Hutchinson & King Quotes

Miami, FL, June 7, 2023 – On Friday night, Four Division World Champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner returns to the ring in Casino Miami in Miami, Florida.

Challenging Broner is William “Hutch” Hutchinson, who has not lost in seven years. Hutchinson is also a practicing attorney and has offices in his native Pittsburgh and Naples, FL.

“Dealing with lawyers is Broner’s forte,” said Don King.

Featured on the stacked the card is a light heavyweight title fight between World Boxing Association NABA Light Heavyweight Champion Ahmed ElBiali and Rodolfo Gomez. The World Boxing Council NABF title will also be up for the taking in this bout.

Two-Division World Champion and Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Guillermo Rigondeaux is also fighting.

“Return to Glory” will take place at the legendary Casino Miami and is brought you exclusively by Don King Productions, Inc. 

Tickets for Broner-Hutchinson are available at www.playcasinomiami.com

The entire card will be available Live on Pay Per View on FITE.tv, DonKing.com and itube247.com. The pay per view cost is $24.99 and will begin at 6:50 pm ET / 3:50 pm PT

Quotes from yesterday’s press conference and interviews:

BRONER: The real problem is they let Adrien Broner and Don King get together – that’s the real problem. I can tell you right now, I am not looking past this man, but I can tell you this – Adrien Broner will become world champion again.  And it will be under Don King.

There is bigger things to come, but the first is to take care of Billy.

Usually when people see Adrien Broner, there is usually something messed up coming behind him. So after I mess (looking at Hutchinson) you up I’m going to hire you because I can always use a good lawyer. Now that I know you’re a fighter, I know you will fight for me, in the courtroom.

HUTCHINSON: As previously stated, I am a licensed attorney. However, first and foremost, I am a fighter, and Adrien Broner is going to see that Friday night, and he’s going to have his hands full.  So I appreciate the offer for some work after the fight, and we can talk about that after, but make no mistake, I am going to do everything in the ring to take his head clean off his shoulders.

More HUTCHINSON

I am more confident than ever. We put in the preparation. We know what we need to do and we are going to execute on Friday. We want to make sure he remains uncomfortable at all times.

I am going to impose my will on Adrien Broner. I know I will have to deal with his power. He is a four-time world champion and a hall of fame caliber fighter for a reason, and I’m going to have to deal at that level.

I’ve trained and sparred with world champions so I won’t shy away from having to grind it out. I won’t be a deer in headlights. I’ve sparred with Devin Haney and given him everything he can handle. Six-rounds each in back to back days.

I have knockout power with both hands.

It is disrespectful that they are looking for a way to promote me outside of my fighting abilities, so my job on Friday is to make them respect my fighting ability. The reality is that I can fight.

They made a big mistake by allowing me this opportunity. I have scratched and clawed for everything I have achieved in my life.

When I was thirteen / fourteen years old I was having difficulty finding sparring partners. My trainer would go to the clubs and find grown men and ask if they would spar – “hey does anyone want to come and spar with this little white boy” – that how I got my sparring for years. I was sparring grown men. I’ve been fighting for a really long time.

As soon as I saw the photo of Adrien and Don at the table with all the money, I texted my manager and said “Get me that fight” and we got the word to the right people that I am ready and willing to take this fight. Then it happened.

Why did I want this fight? Because I know I could win. Styles make fights and I have the style to beat him. I expect to see a counter-puncher throwing three shots or more at a time. But there are also times when he gets complacent. We’ve studied him. We’ve studied the best Adrien Broner and I am expecting the best Adrien Broner.

Before Covid things seemed to be moving fast for my career. I was working with Mike Acri with some overseas opportunities, then Mike passed, and that was way too soon for him, then Covid, so that momentum that I had got slowed down.

BRONER

I have been doing this for a long time and at this point in my career I realized I just sit back and focus on everything ahead of me. Fights were dropping and all that did was give me more time to stay in the gym, stay out of trouble and just keep working. That’s what I did and now we are here.

(Regarding this coming Saturday’s Taylor vs Lopez fight) I’m not worried about Taylor or Lopez, even though I love Lopez. I’m not worried about what they got going on.

Right now I am interested in Billy. I’m not going to talk about blanks.

Me and Don? I think everyone can see it but until I kick somebody’s ass, then it will kick in. The sky is the limit with guys like me and Don King. AB and DK – this over with.

Training camp has been crazy. There has been some crazy days. With a coach like my uncle, I call him my uncle, Kevin Cunningham is very militant. No BS – he’s yelling or cussing me out every day. He’s a perfectionist.

I wouldn’t say this is a new beginning, I would say I am just going to reclaim something I already had. If I hit it once I know I can hit it again.

I feel great. Every day I look in the mirror, I have goals and that’s what I am focuses on. Only a fighter can know. It’s a lonely sport. It’s a sport where you have to look in the mirror every day and say f’it. You gotta say f everybody and go out there and do what you gotta do, so secure you. Because if you can’t make sure you are straight, with no shortcuts, and I think that’s why I’m doing good this time around.




Split-T Management Fighters Ardreal Holmes and Joseph Hicks Remain Undefeated with Wins in Detroit

?NEW YORK (June 7, 2023)-Split-T Management fighters Ardreal Holmes Jr. and Joseph Hicks Jr. remained undefeated with victories on Saturday night at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.

Holmes won a technical split decision over Wendy Toussaint in a bout that was stopped in round eight of a scheduled 10-round super welterweight bout.

In round four, Toussaint was deducted a point for hitting behind the head.

Holmes boxed well by using his height, while Toussaint was coming on late by pressuring the taller Holmes.

In round eight, the two clashed heads and the forehead of Toussaint immediately began to gush blood. The fight was allowed to continue, but only briefly as the blood continued to shoot out of the forehead and the fight went to the scorecards at 1:54.

Holmes, 153.4 lbs of Flint, MI won by scores of 77-74 and 76-75 while a third card went to Toussaint by a 77-74 tally.

Holmes is now 14-0. Toussaint, 149.8 lbs of Huntington, NY is 14-2.

“I was expecting a tough fight. Just wasn’t in the shape we wanted to be in, but no excuses. I got the job done,” said Holmes post-fight. “I felt like I didn’t catch my second wind until the seventh or eighth round. That’s when I felt like the fight was really changing. I felt like I took the earlier rounds and he started coming on late.”

Holmes said the fast pace Toussaint kept throughout the fight was unexpected. “He actually surprised me,” admitted Holmes. “Watching film, he usually slows in the fourth or fifth round. That’s what I thought he was going to do, but he shocked me. My plan was to come on halfway through the fight and I thought I was going to close it out at the end. I thought the decision was fair. It was four-four (in rounds), but the point (deduction) did it. He was out of gas the last quarter of the fight.”

Holmes is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Holden Productions.

Joseph Hicks Jr. remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Antonio Todd in a middleweight bout.

Hicks had Todd in trouble several times during the fight, and although he could not get the stoppage, he was dominant in winning the decision.

Hicks, 159.4 lbs of Grand Rapids, MI won by scores of 80-72 on all cards and is now 7-0. Todd, 158.2 lbs of Atlanta is 14-8.

“I didn’t expect Todd to be that awkward,” said Hicks afterwards. “I knew he was tough, but he was awkward. He did a lot of unorthodox things. He dropped his head after he jabbed. He switched back after his jab, and he got the counterpunch. I was trying to time him, but he was flinching back.”

“It means everything to be a part of this fight card and this event,” Hicks continued. “I’m very grateful to Claressa and Salita Promotions. The GWOAT, Claressa, she’s going to win tonight. I’m very grateful to her, because without her, this opportunity is not here for me. I’m ready for whoever they give me next. I’m going back to the drawing board. We’re going to fix a lot of things, get sharper and be better in my next fight.”

Hicks is promoted by Salita Promotions.

Both fights were streamed Live on DAZN.




LEE MCGREGOR JOINS WASSERMAN BOXING AND HEADLINES EDINBURGH SHOW IN JULY

Wasserman Boxing is delighted to announce the signing of the world class Lee McGregor to a long-term promotional contract. 

And the global promoter can reveal the unbeaten ‘Lightning’ will headline a major show in his hometown of Edinburgh on Friday, July 21, live-and-free-to-air on Channel 5

Delivered in association with Ladbrokes, Numan and Infinitum EntertainmentMcGregor will box in front of his fans for the first time in five years, with his triumphant return set to be met with a frenzied atmosphere at the Meadowbank Sports Centre

The 26-year-old raced to British, Commonwealth and European bantamweight glory in only 10 fights but now has his sights set on conquering the super bantamweight division with the backing of Wasserman Boxing

“Listen, it’s going to be loud and it’s going to be unbelievable on July 21,” buzzed McGregor

“I’ve been waiting so long for this.  I have had so many big nights in Scotland, the most memorable being the British and Commonwealth unification fight with Kash Farooq, but that was in Glasgow, not in my hometown. 

“I’ve not fought in Edinburgh since my professional debut in 2017.  But in July, people will see how big a fan base I have.  It’s going to be loud and it’s going to be rowdy.” 

Kalle Sauerland, Global Head of Boxing at Wasserman Boxing, said: “Everyone at Wasserman Boxing is over the moon to add Lee to our brilliant stable of fighters. 

“He is, without any shadow of a doubt, a world class operator who showed, in his first 10 fights, just how special he is. But the best is yet to come from Lee. 

“He is destined to be a world champion and we start out on that road on July 21 in Edinburgh, his hometown, where we are braced for an atmosphere we have not experienced in a long time.  Lee promises us the place is going to be bouncing and we cannot wait!” 

McGregor added: “I have lots of things to look forward to and this is a new chapter for my career. 

“The goals are set; the plans are in place and I’m going to take over.  I am back to where I belong, in big fights on big nights. 

“I really like what Wasserman are doing with their fighters and it feels like they are going to give me what I deserve. 

“The plan is to come back and build me in Scotland and in my hometown.  

“I made my professional debut on Channel 5 and so it is a great platform to be back on. 

“Wasserman know what they are doing and the plans they have in place for me, I am more than happy about.  The future is bright.” 




UNDEFEATED LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT ALI IZMAILOV SETS SIGHTS ON DIVISION’S ELITE AHEAD OF SHOWTIME® MAIN EVENT FRIDAY NIGHT

NEW YORK – June 6, 2023 – Rising unbeaten light heavyweight Ali Izmailov has set his sights on the top of the 175-pound division as he hopes to improve his championship credentials with an emphatic victory over fellow unbeaten Charles Foster this Friday, June 9 in the 10-round main event headlining SHOBOX: The New Generation from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

“I’m coming for everyone at 175-pounds,” said the 30-year-old Izmailov. “I plan on making a statement on Friday night. I’m going to showcase my power and boxing ability against a world-rated fighter. When the opportunity for the knockout comes, I’m taking it and I’m ending his night early.”

Izmailov’s confidence is echoed by his renowned trainer John David Jackson and promoter Dmitriy Salita, who both believe he’ll stamp his place in the division in the near future.

“Ali is one of the best fighters I’ve trained with and he has tremendous power that you can only be born with,” said Jackson. “I believe he’s going to be beating Dmitriy Bivol, Artur Beterbiev, Canelo Alvarez, or whoever is holding the world titles when the time comes. Friday night during the Boxing Hall of Fame weekend is the perfect stage for him to make his grand entrance against a very good opponent.”

“I believe that Ali is the best light heavyweight in the world,” said Salita, the President of Salita Promotions. “We’re putting him on the fast-track to success. He’s facing a very experienced and capable opponent who has more than twice the amount of fights as Ali. It’s the perfect fight for him to take the next step on his way to a world title shot.”

Izmailov (10-0, 7 KOs) has shown tremendous power in stopping six of his last seven opponents, with his only distance fight in that stretch coming via a 10-round unanimous decision over then-unbeaten Eric Murgui last August. As he’s continued to train with Jackson, Izmailov believes his other boxing attributes have continued to grow and will soon be recognized by the rest of the sport.

“I’m known for my power, but offensive and defensive techniques and my ring IQ have all improved and I’m going to show everyone that on Friday night,” said Izmailov. “John David Jackson has taught me how to train like a professional, and I’ve seen the difference in what I can do. I’m learning every day because of the experience that my coach brings into camp.”

In the 33-year-old Foster (22-0, 12 KOs), Izmailov will face his toughest pro competition to date, as the New Haven, Connecticut-native is unbeaten in his career that dates back to 2011. With both fighters in position to rocket-boost their careers with a win on Friday, Izmailov knows that Foster’s hunger will match his own.

“I know that he’s experienced on this stage and that like me, he’s looking for a breakout performance,” said Izmailov. “I want him to come to fight. I want to give the fans something exciting for as long as he can take it.”

Now just days away from stepping into the ring, Izmailov knows the stakes for this battle of unbeatens and is confident that he’ll live up to the promise that his team sees in his boxing future.

“This is my moment to graduate to the elite level of the light heavyweight division,” said Izmailov. “I’m very grateful to SHOWTIME and to my promoter Salita Promotions. I’ve put in the hard work in training camp and I know that nobody watching is going to be disappointed with what I do in the ring on Friday night.”

# # #

ABOUT SALITA PROMOTIONS

Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including SHOWTIME, HBO, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, ESPN+ and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.

Check the Salita Promotions YOUTUBE CHANNEL for regular updates of the modern world’s greatest fighters, contenders and prospects in action. 

About SHOBOX: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 88 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more. 

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports




VIDEO: Fight Towns w/ Stephen Jackson: Houston | Full Episode | SHOWTIME Boxing




EDWARDS: THERE’S NOWHERE FOR THE OTHER CHAMPIONS TO HIDE NOW

Sunny Edwards plans on defending his IBF Flyweight World Title in style against Chile’s undefeated Andres Campos this Saturday June 10 at the OVO Arena Wembley, live worldwide on DAZN, before setting his sites firmly on the other World Champions at 112lbs. 

Edwards (19-0, 4 KOs) is determined to unify the Flyweight division before moving on to achieve his goal of becoming a multi-weight World Champion, and the gifted 27-year-old now finds himself in the perfect place for a unification clash with Mexico’s big punching WBC 112lbs ruler Julio Cesar Martinez and San Antonio’s WBO king Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez. 

Edward’s eagerly anticipated Matchroom debut tops a blockbuster triple-header of World Title action in the capital, with Nina Hughes (5-0, 2 KOs) defending her WBA Bantamweight crown against Katie Healy (6-0) and Cherneka Johnson (15-1, 6 KOs) defending her IBF Super-Bantamweight strap against Ellie Scotney (6-0).

“There’s nowhere for the other champions to hide now,” said Edwards. “One at a time, they will get their turn. What I do is different to anything anyone else does in a boxing ring. The world is waiting, and I think right now I am the number one Flyweight in the world. I would argue that I am one of the best Flyweights in the world.

“Fight night is my best night of my year, better than my birthday and better than Christmas, it’s the best night of the year. I think Eddie, and the rest of Matchroom and DAZN, they genuinely know that with me, they get a fighter that wants to fight and will fight anyone. I am Sunny ‘Showtime’ Edwards – IBF Flyweight World Champion and the best Flyweight in the world.”

‘Showtime’ looked set to face WBC ruler Martinez in a huge unification clash at the back end of last year. The pair were deep in negotiations to stage a showdown in Mexico, but Martinez instead agreed to face mandatory challenger McWilliams Arroyo.

The British star was bitterly disappointed after losing his shot at unifying the division, and believes that it was his Mexican rival that pulled the plug on the fight, instead choosing to face easier opposition in order to keep hold of his World Title belt. 

“It’s not just that I want all of the belts, I don’t want anyone else to have them,” said Edwards. “It sickens me, it pains me that there’s three other people at my weight that walk around saying the same s**t that I say. The fact that with professional boxing you can’t force someone in the ring with you and they can go round showing of a belt, like look at Martinez for f***s sake – that’s terrible.

“I genuinely believe, how can he even consider himself a World Champion? He won it as a vacant title, failed a drugs test, same fights rescheduled rescheduled rescheduled, fighting easy opposition that I’d get slaughtered for. Every single fight that he gets is easy, terrible records like 11-3 and 15-7, like what? You’re meant to be a World Champion.

“You’re walking around trying to tell people that you’re anywhere near the fighter that I am. Really, there are people that would agree because he’s a World Champion at Flyweight. Boxing is just obsolete because you have these World Champions headlocking World Titles, headlocking good contracts and just taking easy fights. That kills the sport.”

Before any further talks of unification fights can take place, Edwards knows that he must deal with Campos in convincing fashion this weekend, and the Sheffield-based talent insists that his full attention is on the unbeaten 26-year-old. 

Campos (15-0, 4 KOs), ranked at seven in the IBF rankings, has held the WBO Latino Flyweight strap since March 2020 and the South American, who has called Edwards out before, landed the 15th win of his career in January and fourth inside the distance – and now lands the World Title shot he’s been craving.

“I’m fighting Andres Campos from Chile and outside of him and his fans, abusing me on Instagram for the last however many years, I don’t really know too much about him. I don’t really care about knowing too much about him. When I get in there it’s the Sunny show. It’s showtime, and there’s not time like showtime. When I get in there, it’s whatever I want it to be. I don’t focus on him. I don’t need to talk about him.”

Edwards vs. Campos tops a huge night of World Title action in Wembley, Cruiserweight Cheavon Clarke (5-0, 4 KOs) looks to close in on a British Title tilt as he faces David Jamieson (10-2, 7 KOs) in a Final Eliminator for the famous Lord Lonsdale Challenge Belt, Youssef Khoumari (15-1-1, 6 KOs) and Reece Bellotti (15-5, 13 KOs) meet in an eliminator for British Super-Featherweight Title, The ‘Romford Bull’ Johnny Fisher (8-0, 7 KOs) will bring his Bull Army to Wembley for the third time as the 24-year-old Heavyweight fights for the ninth time in the pros against Emilio Salas (7-4-1, 3 KOs), Anthony Joshua-managed Shannon Ryan (4-0) returns to the venue of her March 2022 debut to continue her pro journey, and rising starlets George Liddard (2-0, 2 KOs) and Muhammad Ali (1-0) feature on Before the Bell. 

Limited remaining tickets are available to purchase from Stage Front




CAMPOS: I WILL SEND HIM TO SLEEP BEFORE THE TWELFTH ROUND

Undefeated Chilean Flyweight Andres Campos wants to create history by becoming his country’s first World Champion when he locks horns with reigning IBF ruler Sunny Edwards at the OVO Arena Wembley this Saturday June 10, live worldwide on DAZN.

Campos’ clash with Edwards tops a blockbuster triple-header of World Title action in the capital, with Nina Hughes (5-0, 2 KOs) defending her WBA Bantamweight crown against Katie Healy (6-0) and Cherneka Johnson (15-1, 6 KOs) defending her IBF Super-Bantamweight strap against Ellie Scotney (6-0).

Edwards (19-0, 4 KOs) is set to make his eagerly anticipated Matchroom debut this weekend having penned a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn in March, but Campos (15-0, 4 KOs) – who has been calling Edwards out for over a year – plans on spoiling the party after finally landing his dream World Title shot.

“Sunny Edwards has never fought against anyone like me,” said Campos. “I am by far the best opponent that he will have faced. I have lots of experience fighting against and defeating undefeated guys from both the amateurs and pros. I am starving for success. I am so hungry to win this World Title and make history for Chile.

“Sunny Edwards is good, but he is not good enough to beat me. I know that I am better than him and I will show you all on Saturday night. I have three scenarios: scenario A, B and C. We have trained so hard for each one. Sunny won’t be able to run away from me like a dancer. He is just dancing and running all the time. I will send him to sleep before the twelfth round.”

Unbeaten Sheffield-based slickster Edwards makes his fourth defence of the IBF strap he landed in April 2021 against Moruti Mthalane in London, and ‘Showtime’ is gunning for unification clashes in the second half of the year and having seen off challenges from Felix Alvarado, Muhammad Waseem and Jayson Mama.

26-year-old Campos is hungry to create his own legacy, fuelled by the burning to desire to become his country’s first ever World Champion. Edwards is renowned for having one of the sharpest tongues in boxing, but Campos says he won’t be engaging in any back and forth with his opponent during a busy fight week.

“I never trash talk,“ said Campos. “I always do my talking in the ring and let my fists take care of business. Sunny is famous for his trash talking, not for his boxing. Chile doesn’t have any World Champions and I will make history for my country and my continent of South America. I will be the first one. The IBF World Title is very special to me.

“Fighting in the UK for the first time as a professional doesn’t faze me at all. As a pro I have fought in Australia and in Argentina. It is not such a big change for me. Remember, I have done almost all of my 95 fights outside of my country. I have represented Chile all over the world. I don’t feel the pressure. To fight here in the UK is nothing big for me.”

Campos, who is managed by Australian Tony Tolj and trained by Hernan Gauto from Argentina and Nicolas Orellana from Chile, is ranked at seven in the IBF rankings and has held the WBO Latino Flyweight strap since March 2020. ‘The Pride of Barnechea’ says he also has the backing of UK fans who want to see Edwards defeated for the first time.

“Since I arrived in the UK last week, everyone that I have met in the gyms, malls and streets – everyone has told me that I have to beat that trash talker Sunny Edwards. Everyone that talks to me about Sunny Edwards wants me to beat him. They all want me to become the first man to beat him.

“It’s crazy – nobody cares about Sunny Edwards here in England. I have the support of Chilean fans and all of the English fans who I have met. Everyone on my social media is telling me that I have to beat this clown.”

Edwards vs. Campos tops a huge night of World Title action in Wembley, Cruiserweight Cheavon Clarke (5-0, 4 KOs) looks to close in on a British Title tilt as he faces David Jamieson (10-2, 7 KOs) in a Final Eliminator for the famous Lord Lonsdale Challenge Belt, Youssef Khoumari (15-1-1, 6 KOs) and Reece Bellotti (15-5, 13 KOs) meet in an eliminator for British Super-Featherweight Title, The ‘Romford Bull’ Johnny Fisher (8-0, 7 KOs) will bring his Bull Army to Wembley for the third time as the 24-year-old Heavyweight fights for the ninth time in the pros against Emilio Salas (7-4-1, 3 KOs), Anthony Joshua-managed Shannon Ryan (4-0) returns to the venue of her March 2022 debut to continue her pro journey, and rising starlets George Liddard (2-0, 2 KOs) and Muhammad Ali (1-0) feature on Before the Bell. 

Limited remaining tickets are available to purchase from Stage Front




MOSES ITAUMA BACK IN TELFORD

FUTURE HEAVYWEIGHT SUPERSTAR Moses Itauma will have his fourth professional fight at the Telford International Centre on July 29, having been added to the card headlined by the four-title collision between Liam Davies and Jason Cunningham, live on BT Sport.

Itauma, just 18, who holds the lofty ambition of becoming the youngest ever world heavyweight champion, took part in his first six-rounder in mid-April, hearing the final bell for the first time at the conclusion of his comprehensive decision victory over the robust Ukrainian Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko, who maintained the distinction of never having been stopped.

Previously, the world and European champion as an amateur, marked his entry to the professional ranks with two first round stoppages over Marcel Bode and Ramon Ibarra respectively, that lasted less than a minute combined.

Itauma, who will be making a second trip to Telford, will be fighting over a six-round distance on the night.

FOUR MAJOR TITLES will be on the line when Liam Davies and Jason Cunningham collide at the Telford International Centre on Saturday 29th July, live on TNT Sports, the new name for BT Sport from 18th July.

The undefeated British, WBC International and European champion Davies (13-0, 5 KOs) takes on former Euro-king and now WBO International champion Cunningham (32-7, 7) in an all-British blockbuster in the atmospheric cauldron in the hometown of three-belt holder.

In supporting action is Northampton’s Eithan James (10-0), who will fight for his first pro title. While leading cruiserweight prospect Oronzo Birardi (6-0, 5) from Mainz in Germany will also be in action, with the 23-year-old featuring for a first time on a UK platform.

Worcester’s undefeated Midlands Area welterweight champion Owen Cooper (8-0, 2) will be in eight round action, along with Telford super lightweight Macaulay Owen (5-0,1) fighting over six, with Batley super lightweight Amaar Akbar (3-0) entering into his first six-rounder. Fighting over four rounds will be London heavyweight Boma Brown (1-0).

Tickets for the Telford blockbuster headlined by Liam Davies vs Jason Cunningham on Saturday, 29th July at the Telford International Centre are on sale now from ticketmaster.co.uk.




QUOTES AND PHOTOS OSCAR “EL PUPILO” COLLAZO OFFICIAL WBO BELT PRESENTATION

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO (June 5, 2023): Today, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) officially awarded the history-making Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo (7-0, 5 KOs) his World Championship Belt at DISTRITO T-Mobile in his native Puerto Rico. The special belt presentation honored the pugilist for his meteoric rise in the minimumweight division. Collazo crushed a number of records in his victorious championship fight against former titleholder Melvin “Gringo” Jerusalem this past May 27 on the undercard of Rocha vs. Young, including shredding the record for the fastest to become a world champion from Puerto Rico.

Here is what participants of today’s presentation said:

OSCAR COLLAZO, MINIMUMWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION:

“I am extremely happy. I see this and I cannot believe it. I have worked very hard to obtain this title. I want to thank my family, my parents, my wife, and my team. To Miguel Cotto Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and the WBO for leading me the way they have. I am a champion and now I will work harder to defend it for the pride of my family, my town of Villalba and all of Puerto Rico.”

ERIC GOMEZ, PRESIDENT OF GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS:

“We are very happy with Oscar Collazo. He is a very special fighter. He made history for Puerto Rico, and we are proud to be a part of it. Soon we will be announcing the details of his first defense here in Puerto Rico.”

HECTOR SOTO, PRESIDENT OF MIGUEL COTTO PROMOTIONS:

“Oscar is a great and very special fighter. Without a doubt, he is the face of boxing in Puerto Rico. His way of working and training is unique. Oscar is writing his own story.”

PACO VALCARCEL, PRESIDENT OF THE WORLD BOXING ORGANIZATION:

“At the WBO, we are very happy with our new champion, a compatriot from Puerto Rico. He is a very talented young man, and it was demonstrated by defeating and winning the championship over Melvin Jerusalem of the Philippines in convincing fashion. Oscar Collazo is very talented, and we are just seeing him grow.”




Tapales will fight Inoue-Fulton winner 

The World Boxing Association (WBA) Championships Committee approved on Monday, June 5, 2023, that Marlon Tapales, WBA super bantamweight champion, will unify his belt against the winner of Naoya Inoue and Stephen Fulton. Meanwhile, Murodjon Akhmadaliev and Tomoki Kameda must meet in a final eliminator to determine the division’s mandatory challenger.




DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT SIGNS RISING FEATHERWEIGHT CONTENDER EDWARD “KID” VAZQUEZ

NEW YORK, NY (June 5, 2023) – DiBella Entertainment has inked a promotional agreement with rising featherweight contender Edward “Kid” Vazquez (14-1, 3 KOs), from Fort Worth, TX.

Vazquez hails from a fighting family. His grandfather and uncle were both fighters, along with several cousins. On his seventh birthday, Vazquez asked his father to take him to the local boxing gym in Fort Worth; a birthday present that would change the trajectory of his life. 

This trip to the gym would lead to an impressive amateur record of 82-8, including eight Fort Worth Golden Gloves gold medals, a Texas Golden Gloves gold medal, a win at the Ringside World Championships and a runner-up spot in the 2012 Junior Olympics in Mobile, AL. 

At 18, and fresh out of high school, Vazquez was transitioning to turn professional and traveled up the coast of California looking for sparring and inspiration. He found both, spending time training and sparring with Oscar Valdez and Ryan Garcia, among others. Vazquez made his professional debut in 2016, winning a unanimous decision versus Willie Miller. 

He has been with his current trainer, Ray Barrera, out of FHG Boxing Gym, in Fort Worth, ever since his third pro fight. Vazquez would go on to win 11 bouts before suffering his lone defeat at the hands of Raymond Ford in February 2022. It was a fight that would result in a highly controversial win for Ford, who is now rated in the top 10 by three of the major sanctioning bodies.

Vazquez rebounded from that split decision loss with two wins to close out the year.

In March 2020, Vazquez’s life would change dramatically with the birth of his daughter, Saylor. The pandemic was just getting underway, and becoming a father was both exhilarating and scary for the young fighter. 

“It forced me to level up,” Vazquez said. “I always knew I would make it happen with boxing, but now I have to because I have my daughter.”  

In December 2022, Vazquez would get the call to fight DiBella prospect Misael Lopez on Showtime’s “ShoBox” series. 

“I was hesitant to take the fight because I knew I would be coming in as the ‘B-side,’” said Vazquez. “I was robbed in my fight versus Raymond Ford, and didn’t want that to happen again, but I ultimately accepted the fight.

“It was a good, action-packed fight,” Vazquez continued. “He definitely tested my IQ. He was game, and wasn’t going to back down. He was coming to beat me and was 100% confident he was going to do so. I spoiled the plan.” 

Vazquez would earn a split decision win against Lopez after 10 rounds of action, on February 17, 2023, at the Stormont Vail Event Center, in Topeka, KS.

“I’m thrilled to be working with Edward Vazquez,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “He’s one of the best featherweights in the world and he proved that when he beat Raymond Ford, no matter what the scorecards read. Ford’s now #2 in the world and despite the zero on his record, Edward Vazquez beat him on international television. An interesting and well-spoken kid, Edward has the potential to be a world champion. He should be undefeated and highly world ranked right now. This was a no-brainer signing for DiBella Entertainment.”

“I’m so excited to be a part of DiBella Entertainment,” said Vazquez of the signing. “We’ve worked our entire lives to land a deal with someone as prominent as Lou DiBella. I’ve been fighting for almost 21 years. It’s been a grind. You’re not really sure if it’s going to pay off and it finally seems like it’s going to pay off. 

“Now, we finally have the platform to go after the top 10 featherweights, the top 20 guys,” Vazquez continued. “Lou is finally the guy that can get me in the door. I’m coming for them.” 

“We knew we had something special going into the fight with Lopez,” said DKO Boxing’s Dave Dubinsky, who manages Vazquez along with Jim Kurtz. “We’re thrilled that Lou sees what we do in Vazquez, and we’re looking forward to working with DiBella Entertainment to take Edward to the next level.” 




Sampson Boxing Signs Undefeated Welterweight Powerhouse Freudis Rojas Jr. to a Promotional Contract

Sampson Lewkowicz, President of Sampson Boxing, proudly announces the signing of undefeated Mexican American welterweight prospect Freudis Rojas Jr. (10-0, 10 KOs) to an exclusive promotional contract.

The 24-year-old Rojas, also known as Freddy to his friends, was an accomplished amateur boxer for the United States on the international stage, winning a bronze medal at the 2017 World Championships, as well as serving as a 2020 Olympic Alternate.

Standing 6? 2?, the powerful Vegas-based southpaw turned professional in January 2021 and hasn’t had to go more than four rounds while amassing his perfect record.

In his most recent outing, he knocked out durable veteran Gilbert Venegas in less than a round in February of this year. Despite having faced a long list of undefeated prospects and contenders, Venegas hadn’t been stopped in six years previous to facing the hammers in Rojas Jr.’s fists.

“I feel blessed for the opportunity and deal with Sampson Boxing,” said Rojas. “Me and my manager Marlon Johnson felt strongly that Sampson was the right fit to take my career to the next level. I will be the next superstar of boxing and a world champion. I want to fight the best and put on spectacular fights for the fans. I thank God for blessing my career.”

“Freddy is blessed with a very knowledgeable and strong team of Freudis Rojas Sr., Kay Karoma, Evins Tobler, and Kevin Smalls, and we all feel that signing with Sampson is a very strong career move,” added manager Johnson. “With Sampson, the sky is the limit. He is a great promoter with years of experience and boxing knowledge, and he has an innate ability for spotting and developing boxing talent. With Freddy’s hard work, dedication, faith in God and Sampson’s guidance. He will become the next star in boxing.”

Lewkowicz says signing Rojas Jr. will almost certainly add to the long list of world champions in his promotional stable.

“Freudis Rojas will be a future star in the welterweight division and more,” said a happy Lewkowicz. “This young Mexican American has the team and the experience, power and skills to move quickly up the ladder to a world championship, and I am proud to be able to help him get there. Welcome to the Sampson family.”

Rojas’ first ring appearance under the Sampson Boxing banner will be in July.

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About Sampson Boxing

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America. Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, ESPN+, DAZN, VS., FOX, Fox Sports and several international networks. For more information, visit sampsonboxing.com.




UNDEFEATED JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTENDER CHARLES CONWELL PETITIONS WBC FOR WORLD TITLE FIGHT WITH JERMELL CHARLO

Los Angeles, CA (June 5, 2023) World Ranked and Undefeated Junior Middleweight Contender Charles ‘Bad News’ Conwell, (18-0, 13 KOs), is petitioning the World Boxing Council (WBC) for a world title fight against WBC and Undisputed World Champion Jermell Charlo, (35-1-1, 19 KOs). Conwell is currently ranked #2 in the division by the WBC and is managed by Mark Habibi and Wise Owl Boxing. The 2016 U.S. Olympian is promoted by Hall of Famer Lou DiBella and DiBella Entertainment.

Stated Mark Habibi, “Our understanding is that the WBC will order a rematch between Brian Mendoza and Sebastian Fundora next. We want the WBC to therefore make Charles the mandatory challenger for Jermell Charlo. Alternatively, the WBC can make him the mandatory challenger for the rematch between Mendoza and Fundora and allow him to take an interim fight. It seems like Charlo is just sitting on the belt and Charles is ready now to fight him, Mendoza or Fundora.”

“The interim champ was knocked out cold. I don’t truly understand why the WBC would even consider allowing this rematch to happen. Charles has been patiently waiting for his opportunity. It’s not fair to him for this to continue.”

Charlo has not fought since his knockout victory over Brian Castano on May 14, 2022. Mendoza knocked out Fundora on April 8, 2023 to garner the WBC Interim World Title.

The 25-year-old Conwell last fought on November 26, 2022, defeating hard-hitting Dominican Juan Carlos Abreu. The 2016 U.S. Olympian also holds victories over Juan Carlos Rubio, Patrick Day, Wendy Toussaint, Madiyar Ashkeyev and Courtney Pennington.

                                                             




Old-time boxing returns this Saturday

QUINCY, Mass. (June 5, 2023) – Old-time boxing returns this Saturday night as Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) presents “Fight Night at the Vets Club” at the Bridgewater Veterans Club in Bridgewater, Massachusetts.

Headlining the event is a six-round main event between New England rivals, Woburn’s (MA) Julien “Black Dragon” (4-3, 2 KOs) and Ryan Clark (2-3, 1 KO), of Berwick (NH), for the vacant United States Boxing Federation (USBF) Middleweight Championship.

A celebrated amateur boxer who was a 2020 USA Boxing Olympic Boxing Team alternate, as well as a 2020 USA Boxing Elite National and multiple New England Golden Gloves champion, Boston lightweight Arika Skoog (1-0-1, 1 KO), faces Sarah “Switch Kick” Click (1-4-1), of Orlando (FL), in a six-round bout,

Former New England Welterweight Champion Mike “Bad Man” Ohan, Jr. (17-2, 9 KOs), of Holbrook (MA), is in a stay-busy fight against Alaskan William Parra Smith (4-14-1, 3 KOs) in an eight-round match.

Unbeaten Lynn super middleweight James “Pitbull” Perkins (11-0-1, 8 KOs), a gravedigger from Lynn (MA), tangles with Texas veteran Larry “Slo Mo” Smith (13-52-2, 9 KOs) in a six-round.

Popular Scituate heavyweight Kevin Nagle (1-0, 1 KO) throws-down with  Reinaldo Souza (0-1) in a four-round match in the opener.

Card subject to change.

Tickets are priced at $60.00 (floor seats), $40.00 (standing room only), and $400.00 for ringside tables of 4 and available for purchase at https://granite-chin-promotions.ticketleap.com.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET, first bout at 7 p.m. ET.




Ra’eese Aleem Embracing Tough Challenge to Fight Sam Goodman in his Native Land of Australia

LAS VEGAS, NV (June 5, 2023) – Undefeated Jr. Featherweight, Ra’eese Aleem (20-0, 12 KOs), ranked IBF #5, gears up to face his toughest challenge yet, a 12-round title elimination bout against IBF #4 rated contender, Sam Goodman (14-0, 7 KOs). 

Aleem, hailing from the United States, is embracing stepping out of his comfort zone to fight Goodman in his home country of Australia. This will be the first time in his challenging career that Aleem will fight out of the USA. For years, Aleem has been ducked by all the top fighters in the division. He explains why he is willing to travel outside of the country for a fight.

“I am thrilled to be back in the ring and eager to showcase my skills on Australian soil,” said Aleem, from his training camp in Las Vegas. “Stepping out of the USA for the first time in my career is my way of letting everyone in boxing know that I’m ready to do whatever it takes to get a title shot. I am fully prepared to leave everything in the ring and make a decisive statement by getting the knockout. I don’t want to let any decision be in the hands of the judges. I feel winning this fight outside of the USA, will show how serious I am about becoming world champion.”

“Aleem has proven that he’s one of the best fightiers in the 122-pound division and its no secret why he’s also the most avoided fighter at super bantamweight,” said Greg Hannley, Aleem’s manager and CEO of Prince Ranch Boxing. “Aleem should be applauded for fighting overseas against a guy fighting in his own country. He’s hungry and he’s ready to come out victorious.”

Aleem vs. Goodman will air live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, June 17 (Sunday, June 18 in Australia) from the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia in a Premier Boxing Champions event. The main event featuring Tim Tszyu defending his Interim WBO 154-pound title against the tough Mexican contender Carlos Ocampo. The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.




STAR BOXING TRAVELS THE MIDWEST

Detroit, Michigan (June 3, 2023) – Star Boxing has been busy in the midwest this week. Starting earlier in the week, Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA attended the 38th annual IBF Convention in Chicago, where he spent time with the IBF boxing community and advocated on behalf of Star Boxing’s roster of fighters with the IBF.

Tonight, in keeping with the midwest, IBF theme, Star Boxing super welterweight, WENDY “HAITIAN FIRE” TOUSSAINT (14-1 6KO’s) will fight for the vacant IBF-USBA Super Welterweight Championship against rangy undefeated southpaw, ARDREAL HOLMES JR. (13-0 5KO’s) over 10 rounds at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. The fight has major world rating implications for the winner.

“It has been a busy week with a lot of great momentum for Star Boxing fighters, that will conclude with a major opportunity Saturday night for Wendy Toussaint,” said JOE DEGUARDIA. “Thank you to the IBF for an enjoyable week at the 38th annual convention in Chicago, and now, we turn our sights to Detroit, tonight, as Wendy Toussaint takes on Ardreal Holmes in an important UBSA Championship fight on DAZN.”

Holmes-Toussaint is promoted by Salita Promotions and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.




Split-T Management’s Undefeated Ardreal Holmes and Joseph Hicks Jr. in Action TONIGHT in Detroit

NEW YORK (June 3, 2023)-Tonight at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, two undefeated fighters and Michigan natives will be in action on a DAZN streamed card (9 PM ET).

In the co-feature bout, Ardreal Holmes will be featured against Wendy Toussaint in a 10-round USBA Super Welterweight championship fight.

Holmes of Flint is 13-0 with five knockouts. The 28 year-old Holmes is establishing himself in the 154-pound division with wins over Bryan Goldsby (4-1), Vernon Brown (13-1-1) and his last outing when Holmes defeated Ismael Villareal (12-0) on February 17th in Topeka, Kansas.

Toussaint of Huntington, New York, has an impressive mark of 14-1 with six knockouts. The 31 year-old Toussaint has wins over Anthony Gangemi (4-1), Courtmey Pennington (7-0-1), Sadiq Muhammad (4-1), Isiah Jones (9-2), Travis Gambardella (7-1-2) and his last bout when Toussaint won an eight-round unanimous decision over Asinia Byfield on June 18, 2022 in New York City.

Holmes, who is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Holden Productions, weighed 153.4 lbs. Toussaint was 149.8 lbs.

?In the DAZN opener, Joseph Hicks Jr. takes on Antonio Todd in an eight-round bout for the WBC Americas Silver Middleweight title.

Hicks of Grand Rapids is 6-0 with five knockouts. The 29 year-old Hicks has a big win over Bilal Quintyne (4-0). In his last bout, Hicks scored a second round stoppage over Noah Kidd on April 14th in Detroit.

Todd of Atlanta is 14-7 with eight knockouts. The 28 year-old Todd has a win over former world title challenger Hugo Centeno (28-3-1).

Hicks, who is promoted by Salita Promotions, weighed 159.4 lbs. Todd weighed 158.2 lbs.




Claressa Shields Decisions Cornejo to Retain Undisputed Middleweight Titles

Claressa Shields won a 10-round unanimous decision over Maricela Cornejo to retain the Undisputed Middleweight Title at The Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.

Shields dominated the fight and was very aggressive throughout the bout and landed several hard rights that stopped Cornejo in her tracks. Cornejo was not very aggressive and took a lot of shots in her defensive posture.

Shields landed 124 of 485 punches. Cornejo was 32 of 307.

Shields, 159.6 lbs of Flint, MI won by scores of 100-89 and 100-90 twice and is now 14-0. Cornejo, 155 lbs of Los Angeles is 16-5.

“I feel great,” said Shields post-victory. “I was landing my shots. I won every round like I knew I could. I went for the knockout how many times this fight? Maricela is tough. She did a great job. Height doesn’t matter and power doesn’t matter either. It’s all about the skills and will and heart, and I always have more than the other girls.”

“Stay smart and not get hit with her big right hand,” she said of her strategy. “Hit bigger to the body and check her to the head. I knew I could win. Straight right for the money. When I would hit her harder, she would take off. I led off with the right too many times, so I will work on that when we get back to the gym. Maricela is super tough. She was in shape and able to take the shots and able to get away from them. It was a great fight. I can’t wait to go home and watch it and see what I can work on.”

“I’m good. I felt fine,” Cornejo said. “Obviously there is so much more I could work on. I want to see the fight again and see the mistakes that I’ve done just to improve on. I think I held my ground and I know I caught her with some good shots and I just need to work on much more to be able to continue those rights I know I landed on her.

“I’m not happy with the loss, I’m just disappointed,” she continued. “I need to just watch it. It’s intense the way she comes forward. I would have done better being more assertive going forward and not going straight back. That’s something I’ve worked on a lot.”

Ardreal Holmes Wins Technical Split Decision over Toussaint

Ardreal Holmes won a technical split decision over Wendy Toussaint in a bout that was stopped in round eight of a scheduled 10-round super welterweight bout.

In round four, Toussaint was deducted a point for hitting behind the head.

Holmes boxed well by using his height, while Toussaint was coming on late by pressuring the taller Holmes.

In round eight, the two clashed heads and the forehead of Toussaint immediately began to gush blood. The fight was allowed to continue, but only briefly as the blood continued to shoot out of the forehead and the fight went to the scorecards at 1:54.

Holmes, 153.4 lbs if Flint, MI won by scores o 77-74 and 76-75 while a third card went to Toussaint by a 77-74 tally.

Holmes is now 14-0. Toussaint, 149.8 lbs of Huntington, NY is 14-2.

“I was expecting a tough fight. Just wasn’t in the shape we wanted to be in, but no excuses. I got the job done,” said Holmes post-fight. “I felt like I didn’t catch my second wind until the seventh or eighth round. That’s when I felt like the fight was really changing. I felt like I took the earlier rounds and he started coming on late.”

Holmes said the fast pace Toussaint kept throughout the fight was unexpected. “He actually surprised me,” admitted Holmes. “Watching film, he usually slows in the fourth or fifth round. That’s what I thought he was going to do, but he shocked me. My plan was to come on halfway through the fight and I thought I was going to close it out at the end. I thought the decision was fair. It was four-four (in rounds), but the point (deduction) did it. He was out of gas the last quarter of the fight.”

“I didn’t lose that fight,” said a disappointed Toussaint. “It was my plan to come out fast and outwork him and it worked. I had him hurt. I don’t agree with the point deduction, and the judges got it wrong.”

Hicks Decisions Todd

Joseph Hicks Jr. remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Antonio Todd in a middleweight bout.

Hicks had Todd in trouble several times during the fight, and although he could not get the stoppage, he was dominant in winning the decision.

Hicks, 159.4 lbs of Grand Rapids, MI won by scores of 80-72 on all cards and is now 7-0. Todd, 158.2 lbs of Atlanta is 14-8.

“I didn’t expect Todd to be that awkward,” said Hicks afterwards. “I knew he was tough, but he was awkward. He did a lot of unorthodox things. He dropped his head after he jabbed. He switched back after his jab, and he got the counterpunch. I was trying to time him, but he was flinching back.”

“It means everything to be a part of this fight card and this event,” Hicks continued. “I’m very grateful to Claressa and Salita Promotions. The GWOAT, Claressa, she’s going to win tonight. I’m very grateful to her, because without her, this opportunity is not here for me. I’m ready for whoever they give me next. I’m going back to the drawing board. We’re going to fix a lot of things, get sharper and be better in my next fight.”

“He was the better man tonight. Hicks is a good fighter. We knew that coming in. We knew he was a good fighter; captain of the USA Boxing Team. We knew he was a good fighter the whole time. Sometimes you come up short. I wasn’t hurt like I was about to go down, but he hit me in the back of the head a couple of times, headbutted a couple times, but nothing major. I’m okay.”




PROGRAIS: I AM BRINGING BIG-TIME BOXING BACK TO NEW ORLEANS

Regis Prograis is ready to bring big-time boxing back home to New Orleans – starting with his WBC World Super-Lightweight title defense against Danielito Zorrilla on Saturday June 17 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, live worldwide on DAZN.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW AT TICKETMASTER.COM
Prograis (28-1 24 KOs) is looking to shine in his first fight at home since beating Terry Flanagan in October 2018 as he aims to land the unification fights he craves in the second half of 2023, with undisputed on his mind in 2024. 

‘Rougarou’ fights under the Matchroom banner for the first time on June 17, and with his new partnership with Eddie Hearn, the 34 year old is heavily involved in the rest of the card, ensuring an all-Lousiana bout between New Orleans’ Jeremy Hill (18-3 11 KOs) takes on Baton Rouge’s Mark Davis (19-1 5 KOs) over eight at Lightweight, and Houston-based 2020 Olympian Ginny Fuchs (2-0 1 KO), being advised by Prograis, fights for the third time in the paid ranks on the card against Indeya Smith (6-7-2 1 KO) over eight rounds at Super-Flyweight.

Prograis admits that fighter management and promotion could be in his future, but the WBC king says that there are many more chapters to be written in his own fighting career first, starting with a long-awaited return to the Big Easy.

“The last time I fought in New Orleans it was nice, but this is the Smoothie King Center, it’s on a different level, I’m ecstatic,” said Prograis. “You can’t soak up the moment too much because I still have to go out there and fight, I still need to do that, but it’s really a dream come true because coming up, when I first started boxing, I wanted to fight there – it was a two-part dream, fight at the Smoothie King Center and then at the Superdome, so this is the first big step towards doing something huge in my city.

“We’re starting Rougarou Promotions with this card and with my partnership with Eddie, I feel we’re taking more control and direction not just of my future in the ring, but with other fighters. I said for the undercard ‘I want this guy, I want Ginny’ – that’s what I want to do. It makes sense if we’re bringing big time boxing to New Orleans that we have some fighters from here on the card. 

“I don’t know if I want to be a promoter per se, and I feel that I have a long way left in my own career, but right now at home, I do want to have NOLA fighters on the card and to help them shine. I’m in the gym in New Orleans and Houston, I see the talent out there, so when I fight, I want people to see them.

“It’s going to blow it up. We did the Lakefront in 2018, but this is big. Eddie said ‘listen, if we do good, we’re going to keep coming back’. So that’s why we need everyone to come out because it can be a regular thing. This used to be a boxing town, but it faded over the years, so if we do good, I think this will become a regular thing.

“As the champion, you must be even hungrier as those contenders are coming for you and that they want what you got. There are wolves behind me all day long, so my mindset has to be that there’s fighters all over the world that are coming for me and I need to outwork them, out train them, be hungrier than them – I have to be on my A-game every day.”

Prograis defends his World title on a stacked night of action in New Orleans. 

Unbeaten Australian Heavyweight Justis Huni (7-0 4 KOs) faces Andrew Tabiti (20-1 16 KOs) over ten rounds, unbeaten pair Shakhram Giyasov (13-0 9 KOs) and Harold Calderon (27-0 18 KOs) meet in an eliminator for the WBA Welterweight crown and Ramla Ali (8-0 2 KOs) defends her IBF Intercontinental Super-Featherweight title against Julissa Guzman (12-2-2 6 KOs).

Criztec Bazaldua (1-0) kicks off the night on Before the Bell against Elroy Fruto (1-1) over four rounds at Lightweight and Aaron Aponte (7-0-1 2 KOs) meets Xavier Madrid (4-2 2 KOs) over eight at Super-Lightweight.




SKILL CHALLENGE PROMOTIONS SIGNS HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION OLEKSANDR USYK TO MULTI-FIGHT DEAL

RIYADH, JUNE 3, 2023 – Current Unified WBA, IBF, WBO Heavyweight World Champion Oleksandr Usyk (20-0, 13 KOs) has signed a multiflight deal with Saudi Arabian based promotional company, Skill Challenge Promotions (SCP) established by His Highness Prince Khaled bin AbdulAziz in 2023 after the astounding success of hosting some of biggest boxing events in The Kingdom.

Usyk recently fought in The Kingdom in August 2022 defeating Anthony Joshua by unanimous decision to retain his belts in their highly anticipated rematch labelled ‘Rage on the Red’ Sea hosted by Skill Challenge Entertainment and The Ministry of Sport.

“Skill Challenge Promotions takes pride in working with an elite champion such as Oleksandr Usyk who not only possesses technical greatness in the ring but greatness outside it as well as an ambassador for the sport” stated SCP Chairman Prince Khaled. “Our aim is to work with multi-dimensional champions who possess the mutual core values Oleksandr does as we appreciate those above everything else.”

The signing of Usyk to The Kingdom’s Skill Challenge Promotion’s draws significant parallels with Cristiano Ronaldo’s signing with the Saudi Football League demonstrating the influence and momentum the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is gathering in the sporting world aligned with Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s national reform programme, Vision 2030.

Director of Boxing Operations for the Promotion, Amer Abdallah stated, “Prince Khaled’s “mission” is to put on the best fights for the fighters and for the fans working in collaboration with all global promoters, management and networks collectively.”

There has been much talk around the anticipated December showdown with WBC Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury for a unification bout to declare an Undisputed Heavyweight Champion after numerous failed attempts to make the fight happen.

“It is obviously the fight most boxing fans want to see and in time we hope to be able to make an announcement regarding the direction we’ll take with the unification bout” Abdallah continued. “But the first order of business is his defence against Daniel Dubois in August 2023.”

“It is great honour and joy for me to return to The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Oleksandr Usyk stated during the press announcement in Riyadh. “It’s an excellent opportunity to work with His Highness Prince Khaled and to reach our team’s goal to claim the WBC Heavyweight Champion title to become The Undisputed Champion. I haven’t got any big plans, like a samurai I have the way… the way I walk.”

“This is a chapter in the lifetime of Oleksandr and history in the making” Alex Krassyuk, Usyk’s Promoter and K2 founder stated.

“We want to thank Prince Khaled and the boxing world really needs a promotion like Skill Challenge Promotions and people like Prince Khaled who is so loved in the sport. It is an honour for me to bring one of my best fighters in Oleksandr Usyk to Skill Challenge Promotions.” stated long time Manager, Egis Klimas.

Skill Challenge Entertainment was founded by His Highness Prince Khaled bin AbdulAziz of Saudi Arabia, launching their inaugural event in 2019 featuring the rematch between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz dubbed “Clash on the Dunes”. After the global pandemic, Skill Challenge Entertainment hosted the rematch of Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua branded “Rage on the Red Sea” in August of 2022 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The company’s most recent global event, “The Truth” featured global stars Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury and Badou Jack vs Illunga Makabu for the WBC Cruiserweight Title which took place in February 2023 and became the largest hybrid boxing event to ever take place.




Weights from Allentown, PA

Allentown, PA (June 2 2023)–Weights for Jeter Promotions card at The Parkview Inn in Allentown, PA

Jonathan Rodriquez 118 – Brian Cannady 118

WBC US silver Bantamweight title

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Francis Oran 212 – Raphael Carolina 212

Joel Flores 133 -Hakim Smith 134

Thanjhae Teasley 147 vs Benjamin Lamptey 146




TOP MIDDLEWEIGHT CARLOS ADAMES DEFENDS INTERIM TITLE AGAINST FORMER UNIFIED CHAMPION JULIAN WILLIAMS SATURDAY, JUNE 24 LIVE ON SHOWTIME® FROM THE ARMORY IN MINNEAPOLIS IN PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS EVENT

MINNEAPOLIS – June 2, 2023 – Hard-hitting Interim WBC Middleweight Champion Carlos Adames will battle former unified champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams in the 12-round main event of action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, June 24 from The Armory in Minneapolis in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and featured top super welterweight contenders Erickson “Hammer” Lubin and Luis “Cuba” Arias squaring off in the 10-round co-main event. Super flyweight world champion Fernando “Pumita” Martinez will put his IBF title on the line against unbeaten Filipino contender Jade Bornea in the telecast opener.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Warriors Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster. Lubin vs. Arias is co-promoted with Mayweather Promotions.

“Saturday, June 24 will see three high-stakes matchups play out in the ring, topped by rising middleweight star Carlos Adames looking to take out  hungry former champion Julian Williams, who has his eyes set on championship gold in a second division,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “With Erickson Lubin and Luis Arias squaring off, the winner will be in prime position for a 154-pound title shot, while Fernando Martinez can send a message to the rest of the super flyweight division with a decisive victory against the undefeated Jade Bornea. This lineup shapes up to deliver another electric night at The Armory in Minneapolis.”

Adames (22-1, 17 KOs) has become a force in the middleweight division as he nears a chance to earn a world title opportunity at 160 pounds. Adames scored a career-best victory by overcoming top contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko in December 2021 and followed that up by knocking out Juan Macias Montiel in the third round to capture his interim belt last October. The 29-year-old Adames was born in Comendador, Dominican Republic and now lives in Washington Heights, New York. He established himself as a contender with a slew of victories over the likes of former champion Carlos Molina, Frank Galarza, Joshua Conley and Alejandro Barrera, with his only defeat coming by narrow decision in a 2019 154-pound title fight against Patrick Teixeira.

“I’ve trained hard for this fight and I’m ready to defend my interim WBC middleweight title against Julian Williams, who we all know is a very tough fighter,” said Adames. “I’ve worked tirelessly to earn my way in the sport and I’m ready to prove I belong at the top of the middleweight division. I’m grateful for the opportunity to showcase my skills on SHOWTIME, and I’m determined to put on a great performance for the fans. On June 24 The Armory in Minneapolis will be electrifying. I’m coming to win.”

Philadelphia’s Williams (29-3-1, 16 KOs) became a unified world champion at 154-pounds in May 2019 when he upset Jarrett Hurd in one of the year’s best fights, winning a close-quarters brawl by unanimous decision. The 33-year-old dropped the titles in his first defense, losing to Jeison Rosario in January 2020, before coming up on the short end of a narrow decision to Vladimir Hernandez in October 2021. He most recently returned to his winning ways last November, dominating Rolando Mansilla at The Armory  on his way to a unanimous decision.

“Training has been going great and I’m extremely well-prepared for this fight,” said Williams. “I’ve just been grinding and making the best of everything that I have. I haven’t seen that much of him, so I’m preparing for anything Adames can bring. A win on June 24 would mean everything. This is what I strive for. It’s been a little choppy, but I’m just looking forward to a tough fight in Minneapolis.”

The 27-year-old Lubin (24-2, 17 KOs) will return to the ring after going toe-to-toe in one of 2022’s best fights, which saw him trade knockdowns with fellow contender Sebastian Fundora on SHOWTIME in April 2022. Heading into the Fundora fight, Lubin had put together an impressive six-bout winning streak since a loss to unified 154-pound champion Jermell Charlo in 2017, a run that included triumphs over Jeison Rosario, Terrell Gausha and Ishe Smith.  A native of Orlando, Fla., Lubin turned pro at 18 years old in 2013 and became one of the youngest prospects to ever appear on the developmental series SHOBOX: The New Generation and soon after was named “Prospect Of The Year” by ESPN and Ring Magazine in 2016.

“I’m looking forward to making my return on SHOWTIME,” said Lubin. “Every fight is important and I treat them all the same. This one is no different because I’m coming in with a chip on my shoulder. I’m planning to dominate Luis Arias so I can get my rematches with Jermell Charlo and Sebastian Fundora. I want to avenge my defeats and that starts with a big performance on June 24. It’s ‘Hammer’ time on SHOWTIME.”

A native of Milwaukee who now trains out of Las Vegas, Mayweather Promotions’ Arias (20-3-1, 9 KOs) most recently dominated Jimmy Williams in May 2022 on his way to a unanimous decision. Arias had scored a career-best victory in June 2021, as he earned a decision over former unified champion Jarrett Hurd on the Mayweather vs. Paul SHOWTIME PPV undercard. Arias has also battled former champion Daniel Jacobs and owns a draw against veteran contender Gabriel Rosado.

“I’m back on the big stage and this time I’m staying here for the long haul,” said Arias. “I’m planning on bringing an all-out war as soon as the bell rings. June 24 has a great lineup, but this fight will definitely steal the show. I want to thank Floyd Mayweather and the Mayweather Promotions team for getting me this opportunity. I’m coming to make the most of it. War is coming!”

The unbeaten Martinez (15-0, 8 KOs) became the first world champion promoted by his countryman, former two-division world champion Marcos Maidana, with a scintillating victory over Ancajas on SHOWTIME in February 2022. The 31-year-old from Avellaneda, Argentina made the most of the opportunity, landing a division record 421 power shots of the 427 total punches landed to secure a unanimous decision victory over Ancajas. They rematched in October 2022, with Martinez putting on an even more convincing performance to retain his title via unanimous decision.

“This is going to be my first time fighting in Minneapolis and I hope the fans know that I’m coming to put on a show for them,” said Martinez. “My goal isn’t just to win, it’s to show that I’m getting better and that I’m on my way to my goal of unifying the titles.”

Fighting out of General Santos City in the Philippines, Bornea (18-0, 12 KOs) will fight in the U.S. for the second time on June 24 after earning a decision over Ernesto Delgadillo in their January 2020 clash. Since then the 27-year-old has added three victories, including a pair of 2022 triumphs that saw him best Mohammed Obbadi in January and Ivan Meneses in August. A pro since October 2014, Bornea is part of a boxing family as his twin brother Jake also fights professionally.

“I have been waiting for this opportunity ever since I turned pro,” said Bornea. “I have watched Martinez twice fight against my friend and countryman Jerwin Ancajas, so I know his style well. On June 24, I am going to win that title and bring it back to the Philippines where it belongs. I’m thankful to my whole team for this opportunity and I’m going to make the most of it.”

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sportswww.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #AdamesWilliams follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

 




JOSH KELLY PREDICTS ‘TROUBLE’ AS HE SETS OUT WORLD TITLE PLAN 

A razor-sharp Josh Kelly has warned Gabriel Corzo he is in a world of “trouble” when the pair meet in a high-stakes clash on June 24. 

Kelly collides with the unbeaten Argentinean at the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle later this month, with the packed Wasserman Boxing event shown live and exclusive around the world on DAZN

The world No2, who displayed frightening speed and power during Friday’s training session at The Booth Boxing Gym, knows victory over the tough Corzo will put him within touching distance of a shot at the world title. 

Kelly says a win will also bring his dream of fighting for the top prize at the Stadium of Light – the home of his beloved Sunderland AFC – next summer, that bit closer to being a reality. 

The 2016 Olympian feels unstoppable, believes he is about to enter his “prime” years and is now ready to take over the world in the next 12 months. 

“It is going to be an explosive performance on June 24 and my skillset, coupled with the way I am performing at the moment, means I can’t be matched. I am looking for the big names now,” Kelly declared. 

“Having just turned 29, I am coming into my prime and Corzo is going to be in trouble later this month. 

“I know I will get the chance for this world title in the next 12 months and I will win it.” 

Kelly vs Corzo headlines a great night of boxing in Newcastle on June 24, with Liam Dillon and Qais Ashfaq battling it out for the vacant British super featherweight title, in the co-main event.  

Local heavyweight Steve Robinson trades punches with Franklin Ignatius in a not-to-be-missed eight round collision.  

Chloe Watson continues her journey to the top of the flyweight division, when she takes on Argentina’s Belen Valdebenito, stepping up to eight rounds for the first time.  

Codie Smith, one of the most exciting additions to the professional ranks in years, will bring a noisy army of fans from Yorkshire with him for his latest bout.  

Darlington’s Ben Marksby plans on making a statement about his super lightweight ambitions, while the Mikkel Kessler-trained Oliver Zaren boxes in front of a UK audience for a second successive time.  

North East fighters Luke Cope, Travis Waters and Joe Laws are also set to draw in the crowds, on a huge night of action in Newcastle. 




UNBEATEN SUPER WELTERWEIGHT CONTENDER TIM TSZYU RETURNS TO DEFEND INTERIM WBO 154-POUND TITLE AGAINST MEXICAN CONTENDER CARLOS OCAMPO LIVE ON SHOWTIME®SATURDAY, JUNE 17 FROM AUSTRALIA

QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA – June 2, 2023 – Undefeated Australian superstar Tim Tszyu will return to the ring and defend his Interim WBO 154-pound title against Mexican contender Carlos Ocampo headlining action live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, June 17 (Sunday, June 18 in Australia) from the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will also feature top super bantamweight contender Ra’eese Aleem taking on undefeated Australian Sam Goodman in an IBF 122-pound title eliminator in the co-main event.

Tszyu will make the first defense of his interim belt after capturing it in March on SHOWTIME with a career-best showing in stopping former champion Tony Harrison. He had originally been scheduled to face Undisputed Super Welterweight Champion Jermell Charlo in Las Vegas in January, before Charlo was forced to withdraw due to injury. With a victory on June 17 in his home country, Tszyu can lock in a date with Charlo later this year.

The event is promoted by No Limit Boxing and The Rose Brothers, in association with TGB Promotions.

“Tim Tszyu has solidified his place near the top of the super welterweight division and will once again bring his fan-friendly style to the ring for fans in the U.S. watching on SHOWTIME,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “An experienced and hungry Carlos Ocampo will be coming to Australia to upset Tszyu’s plans and disrupt his path toward a long-awaited showdown with the 154-pound division’s undisputed champion Jermell Charlo. Adding in top contender Ra’eese Aleem taking on the rising Australian Sam Goodman, and this shapes up to be a great doubleheader of action fights on Saturday, June 17.”

The 28-year-old Tszyu (22-0, 16 KOs) has quickly climbed the rankings in the 154-pound division with an all-action, aggressive style. The notable names on his resume include former welterweight champion Jeff Horn, whom Tszyu stopped in round eight, and Terrell Gausha, a top contender and member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic team. A native of Sydney, Australia, Tszyu made his U.S. and SHOWTIME debut against Gausha and showed his poise and toughness by rallying back from a first-round knockdown to win the fight via unanimous decision. Tszyu grew up playing soccer, but soon gravitated toward boxing. The decision led to him following in the legendary footsteps of his father, Kostya, who was an undisputed 140-pound champion and who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011.

“I was full training on Monday after the thing happened on Saturday,” said Tszyu to Australian press in reference to a dog bite on his right arm. “I’m not going to be limited at all…There’s a dog in me right now that’s about to come out.

“I’m a fighter. My job is to fight. I won’t sit on the couch and wait for [Jermell] Charlo’s hand to get better. I want to fight in the meantime,” added Tim Tszyu previously to the Australian media about his announcement for his title defense against Ocampo. “The fans deserve the fights…The Charlo fight is in the making, but I’m not underestimating Ocampo. I’ve got a hard task ahead of me.

“Technically, this fight is going to be much harder than my previous fights. The Mexican style will require something new in me and I expect it to be tough. Despite being Australian and on the other side of the globe, I’m headlining a fight on SHOWTIME for the third time. Is anyone else doing that? Everyone knows I’m coming to take over.”

The 27-year-old Ocampo (34-2, 22 KOs) rode a 12-fight winning streak into his last matchup, which saw him drop a decision to 154-pound contender Sebastian Fundora last October in a SHOWTIME main event. The 12 consecutive triumphs dated back to the only other loss of his career, which came to current unified welterweight champion Errol Spence, Jr. in a 2016 knockout defeat. During the 12-fight stretch, the Ensenda, Baja California, Mexico native scored nine of those victories by stoppage, including traveling to Mikael Zewski’s home country of Canada to stop the fan-favorite by ninth-round TKO.

“I’m looking forward to my fight against Tim Tszyu,” said Ocampo. “We are both warriors who go forward without fear. The fans will be the true winners that night, because I’m going after that title at all. Costs and it’s coming back to Mexico with me. He won’t want to hand it over to me, so I’ll just have to take it from him.”

Owning a top-10 ranking at 122-pounds from multiple sanctioning bodies, Aleem (20-0, 12 KOs) put on the most impressive performance of his career in January 2021, dominating in a battle of unbeatens by dropping Victor Pasillas four times before eventually stopping him in round 11. Raised in Michigan and training out of Las Vegas, the 32-year-old Aleem stopped seven-straight opponents before most recently earning decisions over Eduardo Baez in November 2021 and Mike Plania in September 2022. Aleem made his SHOWTIME debut in February of 2020 with a fourth-round stoppage of Adam Lopez on SHOBOX: The New Generation.

The 24-year-old Goodman (14-0, 7 KOs) scored a career-best victory in his last outing, announcing himself as a 122-pound contender with a dominant unanimous decision victory over former world champion T.J. Doheny in March. After an impressive amateur career that included four national championships and an appearance in the 2017 World Amateur Championships, the Australian from Albion Park, New South Wales turned pro in April 2018 and began compiling his unbeaten record.

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL telecast is executive produced by four-time Emmy award winner David Dinkins, Jr., with Ray Smaltz III producing and Chuck McKean directing.

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sportswww.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #TszyuOcampo, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.




NEW OPENING BOUT SET AS SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION®RETURNS TO HALL OF FAME WEEKEND FRIDAY, JUNE 9 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

NEW YORK – June 1, 2023 – Unbeaten light heavyweights Clay Waterman and Kenmon Evans will square off in a new SHOBOX: The New Generation eight-round telecast opener as the popular prospect series returns to Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y., during International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend on Friday, June 9 at 9 p.m. ET/PT live on SHOWTIME.  

Waterman (10-0, 8 KOs) had a solid amateur career with a record of 140-20. A 2011 junior world champion, the Queensland, Australia native was a 2018 Commonwealth Games medalist and 2019 Asian Grand Slam champion. He is an eight-time Golden Gloves champion and 13-time state champion. Waterman is managed by Brendan Bourke.

Evans (10-0-1, 3 KOs) of Port Orange, Fla., is promoted by International Boxing Hall of Famer and former world champion Christy Martin and trained by Pete White. As an amateur, Evans suffered just one loss with 29 victories. He won the Florida Golden Gloves in 2013 and the Florida PAL tournament in 2012. One of 16 children, Evans served eight months in jail in 2014 on a charge that was eventually dropped. After his release, he decided to turn pro. He also teaches youth boxing classes at Pete White’s gym.

“Evans is a real success story,” said Martin. “He got out [of jail] and he’s going to stay out.”

Blue-chip prospect and top-10 ranked light heavyweight Ali Izmailov (10-0, 7 KOs) faces his toughest test to date when he takes on fellow unbeaten and highly decorated amateur Charles Foster (22-0, 12 KOs) in the 10-round SHOBOX® main event. In the co-feature, highly regarded prospect Richard Vansiclen (13-0-1, 6 KOs) from Seattle, Wash., faces fellow unbeaten hard-hitting Colombian Juan Carrillo (10-0, 8 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight matchup.

Ryan Martin (25-2, 15 KOs) was originally slated to take on former SHOBOX main-event winner and rising super lightweight prospect Mykquan Williams (19-0-1, 8 KOs) in a 10-round super lightweight bout before Martin pulled out due to personal reasons.

This marks the fourth time since 2013 that a SHOBOX card has taken place in conjunction with Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, which will occur June 8-11. SHOBOX has visited Turning Stone Resort Casino a total of seven times previously during its 21-year history. The three-fight telecast on June 9 is promoted by Dmitriy Salita’s Salita Promotions.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased in person at the Turning Stone Box Office or online at Ticketmaster.

International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins calls the blow-by-blow action for SHOBOX with fellow Hall of Famer Steve Farhood joining the team remotely as the unofficial scorer. Former world champion Raul Marquez and veteran combat sports reporter and MORNING KOMBAT co-host Brian Campbell will serve as ringside expert analysts. They will be accompanied by Hall of Famer and SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® analyst Al Bernstein, as well as by Hall of Famer Jimmy Lennon, Jr., handling ring announcing duties. The executive producer of SHOBOX: The New Generation is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports

About SHOBOX: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 89 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more. 




July 1: Abdullah Mason and Tyler McCreary Added to ESPN+-Streamed Undercard of Jared Anderson-Zhan Kossobutskiy Heavyweight Showdown at Toledo’s Huntington Center

TOLEDO, Ohio (June 1, 2023) — Two Ohio-born talents have joined the pre-Independence Day celebration as part of the ESPN+-streamed undercard to the heavyweight doubleheader featuring Toledo’s  Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson against Kazakhstan’s Zhan Kossobutskiy in a 10-round main event on Saturday, July 1 at Toledo’s Huntington Center. 
 
Cleveland native Abdullah Mason will make his third appearance of 2023 in a six-round lightweight fight against Tobias Green, while Toledo-born junior lightweight Tyler McCreary will face an opponent to be named in a six-rounder.
 
Anderson-Kossobutskiy and Arslanbek Makhmudov-Raphael Akpejiori will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Universum Boxing, tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.
 
Mason (8-0, 7 KOs) is a 19-year-old prodigy who was considered one of the brightest talents in U.S. amateur boxing before signing with Top Rank in October 2021. Mason debuted as a pro the following month with a second-round TKO over Jaylan Phillips. In 2022, Mason went 5-0 with four knockouts. The southpaw phenom plans to be just as dominant this year after a first-round knockout over Erick Garcia Benitez in April and a sixth-round TKO win over Desmond Lyons last month on the Devin Haney-Vasiliy Lomachenko undercard. Green (10-3, 3 KOs) is a 27-year-old Floridian who returns after an eight-round decision win against Ryan Schwartzberg last October. 
 
McCreary (17-2-1, 8 KOs) is an almost nine-year pro who is on the comeback trail. Following his 2019 showdown against former two-division world champion Carl Frampton, the 30-year-old experienced a near-two-year layoff before losing to Manuel Rey Rojas in 2021. Last month, however, he overcame another layoff to score a first-round knockout against Jake Bornea in Toledo.




Shawnee Showdown: George Kambosos Jr.-Maxi Hughes and Keyshawn Davis-Francesco Patera Lightweight Doubleheader Confirmed for July 22 at FireLake Arena LIVE on ESPN

SHAWNEE, OK (May 30, 2023) – A former king and an emerging prodigy will look to seize the spotlight as part of an action-packed lightweight doubleheader in one of the sport’s most competitive divisions.
 
Former unified and lineal lightweight world champion George Kambosos Jr. makes his Top Rank debut in a 12-round IBF world title eliminator against English southpaw Maxi Hughes on Saturday, July 22, at FireLake Arena in Shawnee, Oklahoma.
 
In the 10-round co-feature, U.S. Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis takes a seismic step up in class against Belgian contender and former European champion Francesco Patera
 
Kambosos-Hughes and Davis-Patera will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with DiBella Entertainment and Ferocious Promotions, tickets starting at $39 go on sale Monday, June 5 at 10 a.m. CST via www.stubwire.com.
 
“George Kambosos Jr. is still one of the lightweight division’s premier attractions, and he has the chance to get right back to title contention with a win over an upset-minded Maxi Hughes,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Keyshawn Davis, in less than 10 fights, is already a contender and has all the makings of a future superstar. This is a sensational lightweight doubleheader for the fans in Shawnee and everyone watching on ESPN.”
 
“George insisted on a meaningful fight to begin his comeback. He’s never taken the easy route,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Maxi Hughes is a legit top 10 lightweight and a high-risk fight for George coming off two losses against Devin Haney. This will be an IBF world title elimination bout and George will also challenge for Maxi’s IBO lightweight world title. For Maxi, this is the opportunity he’s been fighting for. This is his chance to prove that all of those fights he won as the underdog meant something.”
 
Kambosos (20-2, 10 KOs) is a 10-year pro who has traveled to Malaysia, Greece, London, New York City, Connecticut, and Las Vegas in his efforts to conquer the lightweight division. His wins over former world champions Mickey Bey and Lee Selby helped secure a world title shot against Teofimo Lopez in 2021. In a triumph that was named ESPN’s Upset of the Year, Kambosos toppled Lopez via split decision and captured three lightweight world titles. In 2022, the 29-year-old avoided an easy hometown defense and instead faced Devin Haney in back-to-back undisputed world title showdowns in Melbourne, Australia. Following his first career losses, Kambosos has ambitions of reclaiming his throne, but he’ll first need to get passed Hughes.
 
“I am extremely excited and motivated to make a serious statement against Maxi Hughes in my return fight in the United States, the Mecca of boxing, live on ESPN and Main Event PPV in Australia,” Kambosos said. “Having fought the best lightweight boxers in the world, I now know I have become an even better fighter and have added further artillery and weapons to my overall fight game. Maxi Hughes is a good boxer, a tough Englishman, and I’m sure he will try his best, but I know and he knows that his best will not be enough. Hughes is not elite, and when you have been in there with elite boxers like I have, you pick up on the mistakes in a boxer like Hughes. I will claim his IBO world title and the IBF world title eliminator position on July 22.”
 
Hughes (26-5-2, 5 KOs), a 33-year-old veteran hailing from the United Kingdom, debuted in the paid ranks in 2010. He secured his first British title by defeating Ryan Moorhead in 2017. In his second bid for a British strap, he suffered a stoppage loss to Sam Bowen in 2018 before handing Kieron McLaren his first setback the following year. He hasn’t lost since a November 2019 showdown for the WBO European title against Liam Walsh, but he rebounded impressively, winning all seven of his subsequent fights, including a 10-round decision win against then-unbeaten Kazakh standout Viktor Kotochigov in 2020. Hughes is coming off a 12-round majority decision win against former world champion Kid Galahad last September.
 
“I’m excited to realize my dream of fighting in the USA and to showcase my skills to a new audience,” Hughes said. “I’ll do what’s necessary to get the win.”
 
Davis (8-0, 6 KOs), from Norfolk, Virginia, went 3-0 in the pro ranks before capturing a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics. In November 2021, he signed a long-term promotional contract with Top Rank and has since scored five victories, including brutal knockouts against Esteban Sanchez and Omar Tienda. In his most recent outing, the 24-year-old outclassed and battered Anthony Yigit en route to a ninth-round TKO. Davis looks to continue his rapid lightweight ascent against his stiffest test to date.
 
“I belong with all the top lightweights, and Patera is the next one in the way. And just like my eight opponents before him, Patera will have no answer for what I’m bringing to the table,” Davis said. “This is going to be a brutal night for him, however long it lasts.”
 
Patera (28-3, 10 KOs) is an eight-year pro from Belgium. In May 2016, he challenged for his first European title, dropping a unanimous decision to Yvan Mendy. He bounced back that year with a TKO win over Csaba Bolcskei in September before suffering a close decision loss to Sean Dodd the following month. Patera then notched wins over Pasquale Di Silvio and Edis Tatli before losing a rematch to Tatli in December 2017. Since then, the 30-year-old has won 10 straight fights and is coming off a first-round knockout against Irakli Shariashvili in April.
 
“I am coming to Shawnee to put on a spectacular performance, defeat Keyshawn Davis, and show everyone that I belong on the world stage,” Patera said.
 
The ESPN+-streamed undercard will feature the ring returns of welterweight contender Giovani Santillan, Oklahoma-born heavyweight Jeremiah Milton and middleweight prospect Troy Isley.
 
Santillan (30-0, 16 KOs) will face Ecuadorian contender Erick Bone (27-6, 14 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight battle. He is coming off his best year yet as a pro, stopping Jeovanis Barraza in April 2022 before a hometown win over Julio Luna Avila in San Diego last August. Bone is an experienced veteran who has given tough challenges to former world champions Shawn Porter, Chris Algieri, Miguel Vazquez and Sergey Lipinets.
 
Milton (9-0, 6 KOs) will make his second appearance in 2023 in an eight-round heavyweight tilt. The 29-year-old is no stranger to fighting in Oklahoma, having fought four times in his hometown of Tulsa. Milton is coming off an eight-round decision win over Fabio Maldonado in April.
 
Isley (9-0, 4 KOs) will fight in an eight-rounder. The 24-year-old U.S. Olympian joined the Top Rank stable in January 2021 and started his pro career with a decision win against Bryant Costello. In 2022, he stayed busy and went 5-0 with two knockouts. In April, on the Shakur Stevenson-Shuichiro Yoshino card, he notched a near-shutout over Roy Barringer.
 
Two competitive eight-round heavyweight matchups will also be featured on the ESPN+-streamed portion.
 
American contender Mike Balogun (20-1, 16 KOs) will collide against New Zealand’s Hemi Ahio (20-1, 15 KOs). Balogun is a former Oklahoma University linebacker who is coming back from a loss to former cruiserweight world champion Murat Gassiev, while Ahio stopped Richie Stanley in the first round in February.
 
Unbeaten Cleveland southpaw Roney Hines (12-0-1, 8 KOs) will face Belgium’s Michael Pirotton (7-0, 3 KOs).
 
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